All the vain things that charm me most

Today at church we sang "O the Wonderful Cross" but our worship leader sang more of the verses from the old hymn, "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," which is interspersed between the choruses in the Chris Tomlin version. I've included the verses we sang below.

A phrase in the third verse really struck me, "all the vain things that charm me most." I love the old fashioned words, full of meaning. There are so many vain things, things that will mean very little to me when my life is over, that do charm me, that feel so very important, and that I strive to reach.

It's good to remember what really matters in life.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the Prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God!

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to His blood.

See from His head, His hands, His feet,

Sorrow and love flow mingled down!

Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,

Or thorns compose so rich a crown?

Were the whole realm of nature mine,

That were a present far too small;

Love so amazing, so divine,

Demands my soul, my life, my all.